05/04/2012

Kurt Warner, a former NFL player, recently stated that he hopes his sons never play in the NFL. Recently, a rash of concussions, suicides and the BountyGate scandal have him and many disillusioned by the sport. However, Warner is now receiving backlash from many who say his comments are disingenuous. However, Warner stated that he just loves his sons and the idea of them playing an increasingly dangerous sport scares him. And, his sons both have dreams to play in the NFL just like he did.

Through the first seven picks, only Indianapolis kept its original draft spot. For example, the Vikings swapped their No. 3 choice for the Browns’ No. 4 pick. Additionally, Jacksonville moved up to No. 5 from No.7. As a result, they got Justin Blackmon, a wide receiver. Tampa Bay, at the new No. 7, got Mark Barron, a safety.

The Green Bay Packers chose to not keep Nick Collins on their roster because of the risks with his neck injury. However, Collins’ agent wants Collins to come work for him as a mentor for young athletes. Collins has yet to decide if he will go work somewhere else.

There is a rumor that Browns quarterback Colt McCoy needs to find a way out of the organization in short order. The future of McCoy as the Browns’ starting quarterback was erased after Brad McCoy, Colt’s father, spoke out against the team. Brad McCoy spoke out after following a concussion Colt suffered against the Steelers in December. However, if a player’s father’s comments could end his son’s chances as the starting quarterback, then the son never had a real chance at being the quarterback.

In one week, the arbitration hearing concerning the Redskins’ and Cowboys’ salary cap penalties. The anger at the two penalized teams stems from the fact that franchise tag salaries are based on the average top five salaries and bonuses at the position. The large bonus payments had an inflationary effect on the franchise player salaries. For example, the payment of a large salary to Miles Austin upset the Chargers organization. Austin’s big salary pushed up the franchise tag for the wide receiver position from $9.5 million to $11.3 million. However, the owners wanted the lockout and got it. Then, they got a fairly favorable settlement with what is to be projected to be a four-year run with a flat salary cap. They want these gains without dropping millions due to increases in the franchise tag that should have been expected following an uncapped year.

Larry Csonka was selected in 1968 by the Miami Dolphins. In 1970, the AFL joined the NFL under new head coach Don Shula. That season Csonka had his best season to date, earning his first Pro Bowl invitation in the process. In Miami’s legendary 1972 season, Csonka started every game, and ended up with a career high. Csonka had a great football career and is now being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the Class of 1987, along with teammate Jim Langer. His number 39 was retired by the Dolphins in 2002.

It is hard to find underrated gems in fantasy football. When looking at the 2012 fantasy season, one player I expect to be a gem is A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals receiver. He had a strong rookie year and can expect a better sophomore year. However, he is overlooked because of players like Calvin Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker.

The NFL finally announced that only two current Saints—linebacker Jonathan Vilma and defensive end Will Smith—will be sanctioned. Vilma, a defensive captain, is slated to miss the entire season, while Smith is only going to miss four-games. As a result, Smith will still participate in training camp as well as the regular season. Smith and Vilma stated that he planned to appeal the sanction.

Jerome Simpson recently spent 15 days in jail; however, he always believed he would resume his NFL career. The former Cincinnati Bengals starter pleaded guilty to a felony drug charge. His first professional contract had expired, and has been a free agent since. However, the Bengals aren’t going to re-sign Simpson. If Simpson did not have this legal entanglement, he most likely would already have a team. He had a fantastic season last year. Fortunately for him, the Vikings recently picked him up—signing a $2 million dollar, 1 year deal though. This 1 year contract is a “prove it” year—Simpson better not get in trouble with the law again.

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens linebacker, tore his Achilles tendon while training in Arizona. As a result, he is expected to have to miss the entire 2012 season. It has been reported that he suffered the injury while playing basketball and will undergo surgery on the tear. However, Suggs denies this and says that he pulled it while doing training exercises. Suggs plans on coming back mid-season, earlier than expected.